Between an Army and an Ocean

But Moses answered, “Don’t be afraid! Be brave, and you will see the Lord save you today. These Egyptians will never bother you again. The Lord will fight for you, and you won’t have to do a thing.”

Exodus 14:13–14 (CEV)

They broke free from slavery. The impossible happened. A helpless group of people under the merciless rule of a powerful nation was liberated. A people who had never tasted freedom were now able to freely serve the all-powerful, loving God.

But bondage doesn’t break easily. The Israelites were probably just beginning to believe freedom was really happening when they heard the sound of horses’ hooves and chariot wheels. The people—children, elders, and all—were backed up against the sea by their enemies. There was nowhere to run or hide, even if they could.

Have you been there? Have you broken free from an addiction, a bad habit, a relationship that was enslaving you? Did you have a few days of freedom, only to have the temptation roar back again, pulling you to the thing that was hurting you?

As Moses looked at the helpless people, the fierce army, and the endless drowning waves, he turned to God. God’s first instruction: Don’t be afraid—don’t try to run away, don’t try to fight. Stay and trust. The next command was just as important: God said to take a step of faith into the impossible, overwhelming waves. And God parted the water so the Israelites could walk through on dry ground into freedom!

As you look at your impossible problems, listen to the Lord. Be brave and stay when he tells you. Move when he says. Watch God win the battle for you!

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

What’s holding you and your friends in bondage? Write those challenges in a journal or on some paper. Then pray to ask God to help you find freedom. God will make a way for you! Write down any steps he tells you to take. With his help and strength, work to take those steps this week.

INSPIRATION

“One day you will tell your story of how you’ve overcome what you’re going through now, and it will become part of someone else’s survival guide.”

—Toby Mac, singer and songwriter

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Exodus 14:24–25

Psalm 46:9–10

John 10:10

Galatians 4:7